Authorities confirmed the building was illegally constructed, exceeding approved limits by rising five floors on a plot meant for just a ground-plus-two structure
By Ahsan Mughal
KARACHI: A five-storey residential building collapsed in Karachi’s Lyari Baghdadi area on Friday morning, killing at least 10 people, including five men, four women, and a seven-year-old child, according to Rescue 1122. Rescue operations are ongoing, with fears that more people remain trapped beneath the debris.
Authorities have confirmed that the building was constructed illegally. While official approval existed only for a ground-plus-two structure, five full floors had been built on a plot designed for far less load-bearing capacity. Each floor reportedly housed three portions, accommodating multiple families in cramped conditions.
The structure, built decades ago, was declared dangerous three years ago. However, residents, lacking the means to relocate, continued to live there. Locals claim the authorities failed to take meaningful action. Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab maintain that eviction notices were issued multiple times, but residents and neighbours strongly refute the claim. Some sources suggest no official notices were ever received.
Following the collapse, rescue workers and heavy machinery were deployed to the site. Adjacent buildings were also affected, with the staircase of a neighbouring seven-storey building collapsing. Trapped residents from that structure were successfully evacuated. That building has now been vacated as a safety precaution.
Saeed Ghani stated that a final evacuation notice had been issued on June 2 and that the building had been declared extremely dangerous as early as February 28. However, in the absence of strict enforcement or alternative housing options, the situation remained unaddressed.
Crowds gathered at the site, complicating rescue operations, prompting police to resort to baton-charging people near the rubble to clear the area. Residents said the collapsed building housed at least six families. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the tragedy, ordered a full report, and directed officials to identify all dangerous structures across the city. “Negligence will not be tolerated. Protecting human life is our priority,” he stated.
A high-level inquiry committee has been established by the Local Government Department to investigate the incident. It is expected to submit a report within three days, identifying any officers who failed in their duties. Meanwhile, the Sindh Building Control Authority’s (SBCA) concerned officials have been suspended on orders from the minister.
